Membership
One membership, recognised across three countries
IARSA offers the same membership grades in Nigeria, the United States and Ghana. Fees are set for each country; the standards, and the recognition, are shared.
Designations
Recognition you can put after your name
The association’s fellowship grades confer a designation held for the length of your career.
DFCRSA
Distinguished Fellow
The highest grade of membership, conferred on individuals of exceptional eminence whose careers have shown enduring scientific excellence, institutional leadership and profound societal impact. No more than five are inducted each year.
FCRSA
Fellow
The most prestigious grade of professional membership, recognising senior professional standing and leadership in research. Fellows are nominated and personally invited to be assessed by the Fellowship Committee.
SMCRSA
Senior Member
An advanced grade recognising professionals of extensive experience, significant achievement and proven technical maturity — the highest grade to which a member may directly apply. Held by roughly the top eight per cent of the membership.
MCRSA
Full Member
Full professional membership for established researchers with a recognisable research history.
ACRSA
Associate Member
For researchers, scholars and other professionals who make substantial contributions to the research field. Associate Members hold the full rights and privileges of membership, including the right to vote and hold office.
FECRSA
Emeritus Member
For active members who have reached the age of seventy, or who are unable to continue in practice, retaining the right to vote and to hold office.
LFCRSA
Lifetime Member
Permanent membership exempt from annual dues, with lifetime journal subscriptions, substantial conference discounts and priority access to publishing and peer networks.
HonFCRSA
Honorary Fellow
Granted to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the growth of IARSA, or extraordinary contributions to research and education, and who are not otherwise eligible for membership. Nominations are made confidentially.
Individual membership
For researchers and administrators
DFCRSA
Distinguished Fellow
The highest grade of membership, conferred on individuals of exceptional eminence whose careers have shown enduring scientific excellence, institutional leadership and profound societal impact. No more than five are inducted each year.
Eligibility
- Over eight years of uninterrupted membership of the association
- A body of published research of transformative and enduring impact
- Evidence of leadership and service to IARSA
- Nomination by at least three Fellows, with two independent references
FCRSA
Fellow
The most prestigious grade of professional membership, recognising senior professional standing and leadership in research. Fellows are nominated and personally invited to be assessed by the Fellowship Committee.
Eligibility
- Exceptional contribution to research in the member's field of expertise
- Assessment by the Fellowship Committee
- Nomination and personal invitation to be assessed
- A significant record of achievement in the field over at least ten years
- A minimum of a master's degree, or equivalent professional experience
- Strong recommendations from members or established scholars
SMCRSA
Senior Member
An advanced grade recognising professionals of extensive experience, significant achievement and proven technical maturity — the highest grade to which a member may directly apply. Held by roughly the top eight per cent of the membership.
Eligibility
- An established career with significant contributions to research
- Election by the Elections Committee
- The support of three existing Senior Members
- Generally ten or more years of professional practice in the field
- Documented significant performance — impactful publications, patents or technical leadership
MCRSA
Full Member
Full professional membership for established researchers with a recognisable research history.
Eligibility
- A doctoral degree with more than two years of academic, research or industrial experience, or a master's degree with more than five years
- A recognisable research history in publications, books and comparable outputs
- A proven record of publication as first or corresponding author in indexed, peer-reviewed international journals
- Evidence of independent research capability — managing projects, securing grants or holding intellectual property
- Adherence to scientific integrity, citation transparency and conflict-of-interest policies
ACRSA
Associate Member
For researchers, scholars and other professionals who make substantial contributions to the research field. Associate Members hold the full rights and privileges of membership, including the right to vote and hold office.
Eligibility
- Evidence of active participation in research or its direction
- Completion of at least two years of graduate work in the member's field at an accredited institution, or a master's degree in that field
- A recognisable research history
Affiliate Member
An external organisation, partner or individual linked to the association through a loose cooperative agreement, rather than a professional member of it.
Eligibility
- Evidence of present or past active participation in research, or in the direction of research
- Professional training at least to master's level at an accredited institution
- A recognisable research history in publications, books and comparable outputs
International Affiliate
A global tier for individuals residing outside the United States, Nigeria and Ghana who present evidence of appropriate qualifications. Provides access to networks, journals and CPD resources.
Eligibility
- Residence outside the United States, Nigeria and Ghana
- Evidence of appropriate professional qualifications
FECRSA
Emeritus Member
For active members who have reached the age of seventy, or who are unable to continue in practice, retaining the right to vote and to hold office.
Eligibility
- Aged seventy or older, or unable to continue in practice
- Conferred by the Board of Directors on the recommendation of the President
LFCRSA
Lifetime Member
Permanent membership exempt from annual dues, with lifetime journal subscriptions, substantial conference discounts and priority access to publishing and peer networks.
Eligibility
- Approval by the association's authoritative body
- Aged at least twenty-five, holding a bachelor's degree in any field
HonFCRSA
Honorary Fellow
Granted to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the growth of IARSA, or extraordinary contributions to research and education, and who are not otherwise eligible for membership. Nominations are made confidentially.
Eligibility
- An outstanding contribution to IARSA or to research and education
- Not otherwise eligible for membership
- Outstanding performance in the vocation or professional activity for which the award is considered
Young Researcher
Student Member
For undergraduate and graduate students planning careers in research and development, at a discounted rate to encourage early involvement. Recognised as Young Researchers in their chosen field.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme at an accredited institution
Corporate & institutional
For organisations and institutions
Institutional Membership
For universities, colleges, departments and research institutions supporting undergraduate and postgraduate research. Includes three individual memberships assigned at the institution's discretion, community access and conference discounts.
Corporate Membership
For companies, corporations, government ministries, agencies, NGOs and donor banks. Raises an organisation's profile within the profession and gives staff access to the association's research, networking and professional development.
Group Membership
For institutions or organisations enrolling two or more members together, at a discounted rate and on a single invoice.
Group Student Membership
Lets an institution enrol its students as members together, giving them the association's resources, knowledge and networking as they begin their careers.
Fees
The same grades, priced for each country
Membership fees are set separately for the United States and international members, for Nigeria, and for Ghana and West Africa.